Here we take the Glock 42 equipped with the superb Streamlight TLR-6 laser/light module to ask the question: “Do you need a laser on your pistol?” Specifically we concentrate on the home defense scenario in a purely subjective manner. Lasers on handguns do have a place and I’ve always liked their deterrence factor. But they cannot compensate for lack of practice and skill with a pistol. Many put a laser on their pistols thinking they’ll shoot better with them; often they don’t. We shoot from unusual positions without sight alignment and are impressed with the results. However this is a night shoot and contrast against the white painted steel IPSC target is high. In the daytime the results would be more questionable. Often the shooter will be wasting time hunting for the laser presentation on an often low contrast, low reflectivity target like dark clothing on a bad guy. We present this TNP philosophy with the help of TacticalDoodle and TNP friend Chad Enos.
Recommend Streamlight Pistol lights (some with laser combination, some not):
Streamlight 69270 TLR-6 for Glock 42, 43 (xlnt):
Streamlight TLR-1 High Instesity in FDE (xlnt long gun light too!):
Streamlight 69120 TLR-2 C4 LED:
Streamlight 69275 TLR-6 Tactical Pistol Light for SIG P238/P938:
Streamlight TLR-3 pistol light (xlnt, used for over 10 yrs in TNP house):
5:04 ping…. ping…. like in the old weasterns when people miss, cough cough tactical doodle 50% hit ratio
my eyesight isnt the best so what do you think about fiber optic sights compared to factory sights
Nut i'm 56 now with the eyes of a 70 year old Ha! so maybe a laser is in the cards for me.
NO ! you don't need a laser.
Merry Christmas Nutnfancy.
I have a M&P9c with the crimson trace grip laser that I really like. I honestly didn't plan on getting the laser but I bought the gun on the military discount plan and they didn't have one without the laser at the time so this is what I got. I've shot with the laser enough to make sure it was on, past that I practice with the sights. In the end I like and run the laser for a couple of reasons; first the gun came with it and I can't see taking it off and having it just fill space in a drawer, secondly I kind of like the grip better with the laser as opposed to without, and finally I hope the time never comes but if it does I'm hopping the laser will add just enough additional intimidation factor that I won't actually have to discharge my weapon.
Great video. It's always so interesting seeing you test out these different concepts in real world setting. Love your videos Nutn.
When I was a kid, the local SWAT team visited some of the students and showed us their gear. I asked if his weapons had lasers. he said "lasers are for lazies" why do I still remember that after 20 years?
Not a stupid video! Good stuff
hey nutn, why the whistle on?
LAZER BEAMS are kool, got a green viridian on my glock17 and HKp30, as well as a custom jobbie on my 1911.
Lasers? are like every other accessories, subject to the users preferences.
Take any and all advantages. On my rifle "no", on my range gun "no" on my home defence gun "yes". I prefer "green"
The "distance" for home defence is much shorter, would like to see this in your review. Lasers tend to "wiggle" at any distance. so for real close work they best.
Like I said mine is green w/ 700+ lumens. I have Nite sights also. If I'm pulling that gun you have just disturbed me in my home. Not the best idea!
A laser gives you an option. If you need glasses it gives you a great option as you may not have time to put your glasses on. As far as intimidation factor, there are stories of police and security guards using the laser to deescalate a situation. There was one story I read, I think on the Crimson Trace website where a group of armed security guards had their guns pointed at a suspect that didn't want to cooperate. It was only when one of them activated the laser did the person give up. A laser doesn't ensure a guaranteed hit, but neither does looking down the front sight and it all comes down to training. Good video!
One thing that isn't really represented here is that in a home, you always have a background, meaning that as soon as the laser is on, you know where the gun is pointed and can move it onto target quickly. In the desert, you have no background so you guys were hunting a bit to find the target. So, in a home, that translates to slightly quicker target acquisition. Also, I like the lasers that have some sort of activation pad, so that as soon as you pick the pistol up, the laser is on, without any additional button pressing.
The most valid usage of a laser imho, is in conjuction with your standard sights, draw and index your firearm as you would, look for the front sight, if you pick up the laser before the front sight use it,if not use your sight. If the target moves track it with the laser. Yes it can help with shooting from weird positions if need be, but shooting from the hip just because you can is stupid. The "intimidation factor" is just as nonsensical.
Good points and great video Nutn.I have have looked at the TLR6 but only for the light feature the laser I can take or leave.
Nutn said this was a stupid video… I liked it
I'm just another Dumb Ass Civilian, but here's my thoughts where a laser would be advantageous. If you do get in to a firefight with a bad guy in your home, there will probably be a lot of smoke. Lasers tend to cut through the smoke quite well and may give you slightly faster target acquisition than just using open sights.
If your eyes are so bad that you can't pick up the sights, you're probably not going to be able to see the dot.
hey Nut'n, what jacket is Doodle wearing?
what if u have astigmatism waken up to a burglar in your house I wonder if the laser will be good
After Christmas, I want to buy a tlr4 light/ laser combo and replace my tlr1s on my sig 226. I want to have the laser for HD and put the light only on my glock 22 that stays in my truck. Always a good idea to have a light on the gun you use that you don't carry in a holster. Plus the light only is brighter and better for night time to be used for my truck pistol
Chad is the Jeff Spicoli of the gun community.
Typo in the description – mentioned a Glock 42, but I think it's a Glock 43.
Yes under stressful situations people's motor skills slow down and get tunnel vision. A green laser is easier to pick with your eyes.
disagree this is a stupid video. you always need a light for night. good food for thought especially for others in the family not accustomed to shooting a lot.
Tell Chad that Keltec better step up their game with the RDB or else they keep their poor reputation with me.
OMG, Doodle's looking and sounding more like Nutn everyday! (Sorry, Doodle.)
Chad was putting it down.
Good shooting TNP
So Doodle SOCOM Operators don't use IR Lasers and or green when they don't have thermal gear?
With the Laser "GREEN" when out in the woods and dry firing in the mirror. I like to draw pistol, laser comes on when removed from holster, As I go into the "Kneeling" position I draw sites and laser to meet my eye's line of sight about half way down to Kneeling and fire on the way down to permanent Kneeling. This method gives me a quick center torso shot half way down then when Kneeling a head shot is much easier with my G27